Skyline on Saturday, February 18

[Sally]

OK, after reading tramtim's thread, conditions have definitely changed since yesterday AM. Please disregard my recommendations for foot gear!

I would heed Bluerail's advice and take into consideration your routefinding and snow travel skills before heading out this weekend.

[TectorGorch]

Thanks to your sage advice (It's not going anywhere!), we'll Skyline another time in more favorable conditions. It was to be my wife's first time and I do want her to go again. Now I have to find another 10-mile hike for us...any suggestions?

[halhiker]

Thanks to your sage advice (It's not going anywhere!), we'll Skyline another time in more favorable conditions. It was to be my wife's first time and I do want her to go again. Now I have to find another 10-mile hike for us...any suggestions?

There's snow on Sheep Mountain so the Boo Hoff/Guadalupe Trail won't work. I'd suggest the Art Smith. It'll have great views and since it's not as steep as Skyline you can probably do more than 10 miles.

Or the West Fork loop in the Indian Canyons. That should be gorgeous.

[bluerail]

I'm with Hal....I especially think Indian/Palm canyons would be beautiful today. There is an entry fee though....Art Smith another great local pick..

[Ellen]

Howdy All

Based on the reports of the locals and Skyline veterans, I recommend not doing Skyline this weekend. The traverse has substantial ice, which will now be covered with a lot (probably a foot or more) of new powder. In addition to making route finding more difficult, you have to traverse along a slope rather than a flat trail. Too much exposure for my comfort.

I did Skyline on Valentine's day with Perry Andrus and again yesterday with Sally. As she noted, our micros would collect snow and we had to constantly remove it so the little spikes could grab on the ice below. My micros even occaisonally slipped on the ice

Miles of smiles,
Ellen

[TectorGorch]

Had a gorgeous, gentle day meandering up the PCT from Snow Creek thanks to a very kind local recommendation. Although we didn't get too high (around 6K and into the snow) it was a long and winding road that met at least twice our 10-mile desire. With perfect conditions and the north face of a snow-covered San Jacinto Peak watching over us, we were glad our plans were changed for us. Thanks again for the good advice.

[hawkbill666]

TectorGorch,

Thanks for the report.

Can you give me any link you had, or directions how to get to the hike you just did.
I too am looking for something since my skyline abort.

Thanks

[TectorGorch]

Hawk,

Head about 8 miles north out of PS on 111 to Snow Creek Rd. Drive to just before the PRIVATE COMMUNITY sign and park by side of road. Start hiking on Falls Creek Road (Note PCT markings) to take off point by drinking fountain and sign. The trail switchbacks up from there.

Try this for visualizing on Google Earth:
http://www.pctmap.net/pctdownloads/half ... points.kmz

Tector[/img]